U.S. patent application number 15/775334 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for shooting pot refill control.
This patent application is currently assigned to Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.. Invention is credited to Manon Danielle BELZILE, Patrice Fabien DEZON-GAILLARD, James Osborne PLUMPTON.
Application Number | 20180319058 15/775334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58696030 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180319058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BELZILE; Manon Danielle ; et
al. |
November 8, 2018 |
Shooting Pot Refill Control
Abstract
Disclosed is a control system for and a method of filling a
shooting pot cavity in a molding system, the method comprising:
injecting resin from an injection unit to fill the shooting pot
cavity; measuring a property of the resin at a predetermined
location in the molding system; determining that the measured
property is outside of a threshold range for the property, the
threshold range being associated with the predetermined location;
and selecting an operational parameter to adjust, the operational
parameter associated with the measured property and the
predetermined location.
Inventors: |
BELZILE; Manon Danielle;
(Fairfield, VT) ; DEZON-GAILLARD; Patrice Fabien;
(Jericho, VT) ; PLUMPTON; James Osborne; (Enosburg
Falls, VT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. |
Bolton |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Husky Injection Molding Systems
Ltd.
Bolton
CA
|
Family ID: |
58696030 |
Appl. No.: |
15/775334 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
November 4, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2016/060461 |
371 Date: |
May 10, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62253856 |
Nov 11, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29K 2105/258 20130101;
B29C 45/766 20130101; B29C 45/27 20130101; B29C 2945/76163
20130101; B29C 2945/76943 20130101; B29C 45/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B29C 45/02 20060101
B29C045/02 |
Claims
1. A method (400) of filling a shooting pot cavity in a molding
system, the method comprising: injecting (402) resin from an
injection unit to fill the shooting pot cavity; measuring (404) a
property of the resin at a predetermined location in the molding
system; determining (406) that the measured property is outside of
a threshold range for the property, the threshold range being
associated with the predetermined location; and selecting (408) an
operational parameter to adjust, the operational parameter
associated with the measured property and the predetermined
location.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein injecting resin from an injection
unit comprises injecting the resin into a refill melt passage, the
refill melt passage fluidly connecting the injection unit (104) and
the shooting pot cavity (130).
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising adjusting (410) the
operational parameter to change the measured property of the resin
at the predetermined location.
4. (canceled)
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the operational parameter is one
or more of: a rate of filling the shooting pot cavity (130); a
temperature of the resin in the injection unit (104); a hold
pressure in the injection unit (104); and a density of the
resin.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein measuring (404) a property of the
resin comprises sensing a pressure of the resin at the
predetermined location.
7. The method of claim 3, further comprising, after selecting an
operational parameter to adjust, outputting (412) an indicator.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the operational parameter is
associated with a time during an injection cycle.
12. (canceled)
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the predetermined location in
the molding system (100) is any one of: the melt passage (198); the
shooting pot cavity (130); and a nozzle proximate a mold gate.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: storing threshold
range data in a memory (154), the threshold range data representing
the threshold range.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein determining (406) that the
measured property is outside of a threshold range comprises
determining that the measured property is outside of a threshold
range for a predetermined length of time.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. The method of claim 18 wherein measuring (404) a property of
the resin comprises measuring a flashing on a molded part.
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. A method (600) of automatically adjusting an operational
parameter during the refill of a shooting pot in a molding system
(100), the method comprising: measuring (602) a property of resin
at a predetermined location in the molding system; determining
(604) that the measured property is outside of a threshold range,
the threshold range being associated with the predetermined
location; retrieving (606) the identification of an operational
parameter from a database, the operational parameter associated
with the measured property; and automatically (608) adjusting the
operational parameter to adjust the property at the predetermined
location.
25. (canceled)
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising, during a second
injection cycle: measuring (610) the property of the resin at the
predetermined location in the molding system; determining (612)
that the measured property is outside of the threshold range;
retrieving (614) the identification of a second operational
parameter from the database, the second operational parameter
associated with the measured property; and automatically adjusting
(616) the second operational parameter to adjust the property of
the resin at the predetermined location.
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. The method of claim 25, wherein the predetermined location in
the molding system 100 is any one of: a melt passage (198) fluidly
connecting an injection unit with the shooting pot cavity; the
shooting pot cavity (130); and a nozzle proximate a mold gate.
32. The method of claim 26, further comprising: establishing the
threshold range based on one or more of a user selected threshold
range or a theoretical process calculation.
33. The method of claim 32, further comprising: storing threshold
range data in the database (154), the threshold range data
representing the threshold range.
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. A control system (110) for controlling a refill of a shooting
pot cavity (130) in a molding system (100), the control system
comprising: a sensor (150) for measuring a property of the resin at
a predetermined location of the molding system; a database (154); a
controller (152) connected to the sensor and to the database, the
controller configured to execute instructions stored on a memory
to: receive from the sensor the measured property of the resin;
retrieve from the database a threshold range for the property, the
threshold range being associated with the predetermined location;
determine that the measured property is outside of the threshold
range; and select from the database an operational parameter to
adjust, the operational parameter associated with the measured
property and the predetermined location.
42. The control system (110) of claim 41 further comprising a
second sensor (150) for measuring a second property of the resin at
a second predetermined location of the molding system (100), and
wherein the controller is further configured to: receive from the
second sensor the measured second property of the resin; retrieve
from the database a second threshold range for the second property,
the second threshold range being associated with the second
predetermined location; determine that the measured second property
is outside of the second threshold range; and select from the
database a second operational parameter to adjust, the second
operational parameter associated with the measured second property
and the second predetermined location.
43. (canceled)
44. (canceled)
45. (canceled)
46. The control system of claim 42, further comprising a user
interface (156), wherein the threshold range can be input into the
user interface.
47. (canceled)
48. (canceled)
49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. (canceled)
52. (canceled)
53. The control system (110) of claim 46 41 to 52, further
comprising a timer associated with the controller (152), the timer
for timing an injection cycle.
54. (canceled)
55. (canceled)
56. (canceled)
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
61. (canceled)
62. (canceled)
63. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to injection molding machines
and in particular to shooting pots.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Injection molding machines generally include a hopper for
receiving resin, a barrel connected to the hopper and a screw that
moves within the barrel to impart a force onto the resin to melt
and move the resin along the barrel. The melted resin is injected
from the barrel into a melt passage apparatus that defines one or
more melt passage. The melted resin passes through the melt
passage(s) to one or more nozzle. The melted resin is then expelled
into a mold cavity through a gate. The mold cavity can be formed by
clamping two mold plates together.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, disclosed is a method of filling a shooting
pot cavity in a molding system, the method comprising: injecting
resin from an injection unit to fill the shooting pot cavity;
measuring a property of the resin at a predetermined location in
the molding system; determining that the measured property is
outside of a threshold range for the property, the threshold range
being associated with the predetermined location; and selecting an
operational parameter to adjust, the operational parameter
associated with the measured property and the predetermined
location.
[0004] In another aspect disclosed is a method of automatically
adjusting an operational parameter during the refill of a shooting
pot in a molding system, the method comprising: measuring a
property of resin at a predetermined location in the molding
system; determining that the measured property is outside of a
threshold range, the threshold range being associated with the
predetermined location; retrieving the identification of an
operational parameter from a database, the operational parameter
associated with the measured property; and automatically adjusting
the operational parameter to adjust the property at the
predetermined location.
[0005] In another aspect disclosed is a control system for
controlling a refill of a shooting pot cavity in a molding system,
the control system comprising: a sensor for measuring a property of
the resin at a predetermined location of the molding system; a
database; a controller connected to the sensor and to the database,
the controller configured to execute instructions stored on a
memory to: receive from the sensor the measured property of the
resin; retrieve from the database a threshold range for the
property, the threshold range being associated with the
predetermined location; determine that the measured property is
outside of the threshold range; and select from the database an
operational parameter to adjust, the operational parameter
associated with the measured property and the predetermined
location
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side view of a molding
system.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of the molding system of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are side views of a showing pot in
various stages of operation.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of
refilling a shooting pot in a molding system.
[0010] FIGS. 5A and 5B are graphs showing the monitoring window and
data acquisition rate.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a flowchart depicting an exemplary method of
automatically adjusting an operational parameter during the refill
of a shooting pot in a molding system.
[0012] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be
illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and
fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not
necessary for an understanding of the embodiments or that render
other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Like
reference numerals are used in the drawings to identify like
elements and features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Disclosed generally is a method and system for controlling
the filling or refilling of shooting pots in a hot runner of a
molding system such as in an injection molding machine.
Implementing this method or system can reduce the wear on
components in the molding system, can increase the efficiency in
filling or refilling the shooting pots and can increase the quality
and consistency of the resulting molded parts.
[0014] A property of the resin, such as the pressure of the resin
or the temperature of the resin, is measured at a location in the
molding system between the melt source and the mold gate. This
measurement is taken at some point during (or throughout) the
injection cycle or during and throughout the shooting pot refill or
fill process. These measurements are compared to similar data taken
from a reference injection cycle (also called a threshold range or
threshold data).
[0015] If the measured property is different from similar data
taken from the reference injection cycle or outside the threshold
range then an operational parameter is automatically identified for
adjustment in order to attempt to bring the measured property back
to being similar to the data taken from the reference injection
cycle. The operational parameter is some function or component
related to the molding system that can be changed in order to
change the measured property of the resin. Examples of operational
parameters can include the refill flow rate, the temperature of the
resin in the injection unit or the hold pressure in the injection
unit.
[0016] The operating parameter can then be adjusted or
automatically adjusted in incremental amounts on each injection
cycle until the measured property is back to being similar to the
relevant data in the reference injection cycle.
[0017] Using this system and method, multiple shooting pots and hot
runners (or hot runner channels) can be filled and refilled
independently. In other words, different shooting pots can be
refilled in accordance with different reference injection cycles or
having different conditions.
[0018] The Molding System 100
[0019] FIG. 1 shows an example of a molding system 100. The molding
system 100 includes a clamp assembly 102, an injection unit 104, a
melt distribution assembly 106, a mold assembly 108 and a control
system 110. In the illustrated embodiments the molding system 100
is used for manufacturing preforms. In alternative embodiments, the
molding system 100 can be adapted to manufacture other molded
articles, such as thin wall containers for subsequent blow molding
into final shaped containers, medical appliances, and closures.
[0020] The clamp assembly 102 includes a stationary platen 112, a
movable platen 114, tie bars 116, a lock unit 118 and a clamp unit
120. Alternatively, the clamp assembly 102 can have three platens
with a movable platen moving between two stationary platens.
[0021] The injection unit 104 in the FIG. 1 is shown in schematic.
The injection unit 104 generally includes a hopper or other inlet,
a barrel, a screw and a machine nozzle 122. The hopper or other
inlet is an opening connected to the barrel and is used to receive
resin. The resin passes through the hopper or other inlet into the
barrel. The screw is housed in the barrel and can rotate and move
linearly to melt and move the resin in the barrel. There may be
alternative or additional ways of melting or moving the resin, such
as using heaters on the barrel.
[0022] The machine nozzle 122 is connected to an end of the barrel.
The machine nozzle 122 provides a passage from the melted resin to
the melt distribution assembly 106. For example, the screw can
inject the resin from the barrel through the machine nozzle 122 and
into the melt distribution assembly 106. Different mechanisms for
transferring resin to the melt distribution assembly 106 can be
used, such as a machine shooting pot. The machine nozzle 122 can
pass through a plate 105 proximate the fluid connection of the
machine nozzle 122 and melt distribution assembly 106.
[0023] The melt distribution assembly 106 includes a manifold 126
defining refill passages 198 and injection passages 199, one or
more shooting pots 124, and one or more nozzle assemblies 128. For
ease of reference the manifold is not fully shown in FIG. 1.
[0024] The refill melt passages 198 extend from an outlet of the
machine nozzle 122. The outlet of the machine nozzle 122 can
fluidly connect to a bushing and the refill melt passage 198 can
extend from the bushing, for example. The refill melt passage 198
branch from the outlet of the machine nozzle 122 or from the
bushing and each fluidly connect to a shooting pot cavity 130.
There may be multiple branches of the refill melt passage 198
between the machine nozzle 122 and the shooting pot cavity 130.
[0025] The shooting pots 124 each include a shooting pot cavity
130, a shooting pot plunger 132 and a shooting pot actuator 134.
The refill melt passages 198 lead to an inlet to the shooting pot
cavity 130. The refill melt passages 198 connecting the injection
unit 104 to the shooting pot cavity 130 can also be called the
refill circuit.
[0026] The shooting pot cavity 130 has an outlet, leading to a
respective injection melt passage 199. Each shooting pot cavity 130
leads to a separate respective injection melt passage 199.
[0027] The mold assembly 108 includes a stationary mold portion and
a movable mold portion that cooperate to define one or more mold
cavities 140. The stationary mold portion is associated with the
stationary platen 112. For example, the stationary mold portion can
be connected to the stationary platen 112. The movable mold portion
is associated with the movable platen 114. For example, when the
movable platen 114 moves relative to the stationary platen 112 the
movable mold portion similarly moves relative to the stationery
mold portion. In FIG. 1, the mold assembly 108 is shown in
simplified form.
[0028] Each injection melt passage 199 leads eventually to a
respective mold cavity 140. For example the injection melt passage
199 first leads to a shooting pot cavity 130 and then to a nozzle
assembly 128 and then to the respective mold cavity 140. Generally
Resin flows from the injection unit 104, through the refill melt
passage 198 and into the shooting pot cavity 130. The resin is then
expelled from the shooting pot cavity into the injection melt
passage 199, through the nozzle assembly 128 and then into the mold
cavity 140. As such the injection melt passage 199 may be partially
defined in the nozzle assembly 128 and in the manifold 126, for
example.
[0029] The mold cavities 140 are each fluidly connected to a
respective outlet of the injection melt passage 199 for receiving
resin.
[0030] The control system 110 includes a sensor 150, a controller
152 and a database 154. Another form of memory can be used instead
of or in addition to a database 154. The database 154 can be remote
from the control system 110. The control system 110 is generally
shown in schematic in FIG. 1.
[0031] The sensor 150 is used to measure a property of the resin at
a predetermined location of the molding system 100. There can be
more than one sensor 150. For example, there can be one sensor 150
associated with each shooting pot 124. Or there can be sensors 150
that measure different properties of the resin. Or there can be
sensors 150 that measure properties of the resin at different
(predetermined) locations in the molding system 100.
[0032] The sensor 150 can be a pressure sensor such as a bridge
sensor (pressure transducer or load cell). The sensor 150 can be a
temperature sensor such as a thermocouple such as a J or K type
thermocouple. The sensor 150 can be a camera that can be used to
measure dimensions of a molded part for example.
[0033] The one or more sensor 150 can be located at various
predetermined locations. A pressure sensor can be located or
disposed somewhere proximate the injection unit 104, the refill
melt passage 198, or shooting pot 124 in order to measure the
pressure of the resin in the refill circuit or shooting pot 124.
Similarly, a pressure sensor can be located or disposed proximate
to the injection unit 104 in order to measure the pressure on the
resin in the injection unit 104, such as in the barrel or machine
nozzle 122.
[0034] The one or more sensor 150 can be located proximate the
shooting pot cavity 130 in order to measure a property of the resin
within the shooting pot cavity 130. The one or more sensor 150 can
be proximate to the mold cavity 140 in order to measure a property
of the resin in the mold cavity 140, which can include measuring a
property of a molded part that is formed in the mold cavity 140.
Similarly, the one or more sensor 150 can be located proximate to
the injection mold passage 199.
[0035] The controller 152 can include a computer or processor that
can execute instructions stored on a memory. The memory can be
considered part of the controller 152.
[0036] The controller 152 can communicate with the database 154 and
the sensor 150. For example, the controller may communicate through
a wireless or wired connection with the database 154 or sensor
150.
[0037] The controller 152 can be attached to a portion of the
molding system 100. The controller 152 or control system 110 can be
considered part of the molding system 100. Alternatively, the
controller 152 can be remote from the molding system 100 and can
communicate through a wired or wireless communication network with
other components of the molding system such as the database 154 and
sensor 150.
[0038] The database 154 is a physical memory for storing data such
as measurements from the sensor 150 and instructions for the
controller 152.
[0039] The control system 110 can also include a user interface
156. The user interface 156 can be connected to or be a part of the
controller 152. The user interface 156 can be a display and can
also have an input device. The input device can consist of a touch
screen display, a keyboard, or buttons with specific associated
functions, for example. The user interface 156 can have an output
device, such as the display, speakers or lights that are
illuminated in response to certain conditions (as dictated by the
controller, for example).
[0040] The control system 110 can also include a timer 158
associated with the controller 152. The timer 158 can be used to
time an injection cycle. By way of further example, the timer 158
can also be used to time specific operations in an injection cycle,
such as the hold phase.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows portions of the molding system 100 in more
detail including the machine nozzle 122, a shooting pot 124,
another shooting pot 124 shown cut away, a portion of the refill
melt passage 198, an injection melt passage 199, the nozzle
assembly 128, and mold cavities 140.
[0042] In the depicted embodiments, the machine nozzle 122 connects
to a splitter 202 at an inlet of the refill melt passage 198. The
splitter 202 diverts the resin into two (or more) distinct portions
of the refill melt passage 198. Each distinct portion of the refill
melt passage 198 leads, eventually, to one or more shooting pot
124. A portion of the refill melt passage 198 is shown cut away.
The refill melt passage 198 leads from the splitter 202 to a
secondary splitter 202. The secondary splitter 202 again splits the
refill melt passage 198 so that it leads to one or more shooting
pot 124. A portion of the refill melt passage 198 leads from the
secondary splitter 202 through a shooting pot inlet 206 to the
shooting pot cavity 130. The shooting pot cavity 130 is defined
within a shooting pot housing 204. The shooting pot inlet 206 is a
fluid connection in between the shooting pot cavity 130 and the
refill melt passage 198 for allowing resin to flow through. For
example, the shooting pot inlet 206 can be a hole in the shooting
pot housing 204 that is connected to the refill melt passage 198.
The portion of the refill melt passage 198 that leads from the
machine nozzle 122 to the shooting pot 124 (i.e. to the shooting
pot cavity 130) can be called the "refill circuit." In
implementations in which the sensor 150 is a pressure sensor, the
sensor 150 can be disposed within or proximate to the refill
circuit.
[0043] The shooting pot housing 204 has a shooting pot outlet 212
that leads to an injection melt passage 199 which in turn fluidly
connects to or passes through a nozzle assembly 128. For example,
the nozzle assembly 128 can define a portion of the injection melt
passage 199. The shooting pot outlet 212 can be a hole in the
shooting pot housing 204, for example. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, the nozzle assembly 128 includes a valve gated nozzle
assembly 128, a valve stem 208 and a nozzle outlet 210. The nozzle
outlet 210 leads to (or fluidly connects to) a gate defined by the
mold assembly 108. The gate is an opening into the mold cavity 140.
The valve stem 208 is arranged and sized to reciprocate so as to
open and shut the nozzle outlet 210, thereby allowing and blocking
the resin, respectively, to flow out of the nozzle outlet 210.
[0044] The shooting pot housing 204 houses a shooting pot plunger
132. The shooting pot plunger 132 is arranged to reciprocate within
the shooting pot housing 204. An actuator (not shown) is used to
reciprocate the shooting pot plunger 132. The shooting pot plunger
132 is of such a size that when it moves towards the shooting pot
outlet 212 it forces or expels the resin out of the shooting pot
cavity 130 through the shooting pot outlet 212.
[0045] Separate or dedicated actuators can be used to reciprocate
respective shooting pot plungers 132. In implementations when there
are more than one shooting pots 124, one or more of the shooting
pot plungers 132 can independently actuate.
[0046] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show the shooting pot 124 in
isolation with the shooting pot plunger 132 in four different
positions. The shooting pot 124 in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D has a
shooting pot housing 204 having a plunger end 302 and an outlet end
304. The shooting pot outlet 212 is defined at the outlet end 304
of the shooting pot housing 204. The shooting pot outlet 212
extends to or fluidly connects to an outlet passage 306 that is on
the same linear axis as the reciprocal movement of the shooting pot
plunger 132. In other embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the
shooting pot outlet 212 is defined on a side wall of the shooting
pot housing 204 so that it does not lead directly to an outlet
passage that is on the same linear axis as the reciprocal movement
of the shooting pot plunger 132. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
3A, the outlet passage 306 leads to another passage that leads to
the nozzle assembly 128 (not shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 4D). For
example, the outlet passage 306 can lead to the injection melt
passage 199 that passes through or is partially defined within the
nozzle assembly 128.
[0047] In FIG. 3A the shooting pot plunger 132 is retracted from
the shooting pot housing 204. The retraction shown in FIG. 3A may
be the maximum amount of retraction, although in other embodiments,
the maximum retraction of the shooting pot plunger 132 can be more
or less than is shown. When the shooting pot plunger 132 is in the
retracted position (FIG. 3A), the shooting pot plunger 132 is not
blocking the shooting pot inlet 206. This retracted position may
also be identified as the "refill" position.
[0048] In FIG. 3B the shooting pot plunger 132 is partially
retracted from the shooting pot housing 204. In this partial
retraction position, the shooting pot plunger 132 is blocking the
shooting pot inlet 206. In other words, resin cannot pass into the
shooting pot cavity 130 because the shooting pot plunger is
blocking the way. This partially retracted position may also be
identified as the "ready" position.
[0049] In FIG. 3C the shooting pot plunger 132 is extended into the
shooting pot housing 204. The shooting pot plunger 132 is blocking
the shooting pot inlet 206 and is proximate to the shooting pot
outlet 212. This extended position may also be identified as the
"hold" position. In operation the shooting pot plunger 132 moves
from a retracted position (e.g. the refill or ready position) to an
extended position (e.g. the hold position). When the shooting pot
plunger 132 is in the ready position and there is resin in the
shooting pot cavity 130, the resin will be expelled out of the
shooting pot outlet 212 when the shooting pot plunger 132 moves to
the hold position.
[0050] The FIG. 3D, the shooting pot plunger 132 is retracted
slightly from the shooting pot outlet 212. A slight retraction of
the shooting pot plunger from the shooting pot outlet 212 can lower
or relieve the pressure on the resin that is in the injection
circuit. The injection circuit can be the melt passage 126 that
connects the injection unit 104 to the shooting pot cavity 130. The
shooting pot plunger 132 is thus in a partially retracted position
in FIG. 3D. This partially retracted position can also be called
the "decompression" position.
[0051] A shooting pot actuator (not shown) moves the shooting pot
plunger 132 into each of the positions of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D.
For example, the shooting pot actuator can move the shooting pot
plunger 132 from the refill position to the ready position to the
hold position and then to the decompression position with a
predetermined motion profile.
[0052] In operation, when the shooting pot plunger 132 is in the
refill position, resin enters through the shooting pot inlet 206
and into the shooting pot cavity 130 so as to fill the shooting pot
cavity. While the resin is refilling the shooting pot cavity 130
the pressure on the resin in the shooting pot cavity 130 can be
increasing (and thus the resin may compress). The shooting pot
plunger 132 then moves to the ready position, causing further
compression on the resin inside the shooting pot cavity 130 and
blocking the shooting pot inlet 206. The shooting pot plunger 132
then extends to the hold position and while doing so expels the
resin out of the shooting pot cavity 130 and through the shooting
pot outlet 212. The shooting pot plunger 132 can stay in the hold
position while the mold assembly 108 is in the closed position.
Then the shooting pot plunger 132 can retract to decompress the
resin in the shooting pot cavity 130. The shooting pot plunger 132
can continue to retract to the ready position (blocking the
shooting pot inlet 206) or, if the shooting pot cavity 130 is to be
refilled, to the refill position.
[0053] In alternative configurations of the molding system 100, the
shooting pot inlet 206 can be controlled by a valve that is
separate and independent from the shooting pot plunger 132.
[0054] Operation
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 of
refilling a shooting pot 124 in a molding system 100. The method
400 can be carried out or implemented using the control system 110.
For example, instructions for carrying out the method can be stored
on a memory associated with a processor of the control system 110.
The method 400 can be used to refill the shooting pots 124 in the
molding system 100 described in relation to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C
and 3D. By way of further example, the method 400 can be performed
by the control system 110 of the molding system 100 to refill the
shooting pots 124 of the molding system 100. The method 400 can
generally be carried out or implemented on or using a computers or
processors associated with the molding system 100.
[0056] At 402, resin is injected from the injection unit 104 to
refill (or fill) the shooting pot cavity 130. The resin can be
disposed in an inlet in the hopper. The resin will then lead to the
barrel of the injection unit 104 where it will be melted. The resin
is the injected from the injection unit 104 by being expelled or
forced out of the machine nozzle 122. The resin can be polyethylene
terephthalate, for example. Other types of plastic resin can be
used. When the resin is introduced into the molding system 100,
such as when it is disposed in the hopper of the injection unit
104, the resin can be in a solid state (e.g. in the form of
pellets). When the resin is ejected out of the injection unit 104
it is in a fluid state (i.e. melted or partially melted).
[0057] Injecting resin from the injection unit 104 can include
injecting the resin into a refill melt passage 198. The refill melt
passage 198 fluidly connects the injection unit 104 and the
shooting pot cavity 130. For example the resin can be injected into
a manifold that defines the refill melt passage 198. The refill
melt passage 198 can branch and lead to a plurality of shooting pot
cavities 130.
[0058] In some embodiments, the resin is injected into a plurality
of refill melt passages 198, with each refill melt passage 198
fluidly connecting the injection unit 104 to at least one
respective shooting pot cavity 130. For example, the refill melt
passage 198 can be split by a splitter 202 so that the resin
expelled from the machine nozzle 122 is split by the splitter 202
and travels to a plurality of separate refill melt passage 198.
[0059] At 404 a property of the resin is measured at a
predetermined location in the molding system 100. In some
embodiments, a sensor 150 can be used to measure or sense the
property of the resin. In such embodiments, the predetermined
location can be associated with on the location of the sensor 150.
For example, the sensor 150 can be disposed within the molding
system 100 to sense a property of the resin at the location where
the sensor 150 is disposed; the location where the sensor 150 is
disposed can be the predetermined location in the molding system
100.
[0060] The predetermined location in the molding system 100 can be
any one of the injection melt passage 199, the refill melt passage
198, the shooting pot cavity 130 or a nozzle proximate a mold gate,
for example. The nozzle proximate the mold gate can be a nozzle
through which resin is ejected through the mold gate into the mold
cavity 140. For example, the nozzle proximate the mold gate can be
part of the nozzle assembly 128. There may be other predetermined
locations in the molding system 100 at which the property of the
resin is measured. For example, any location along the refill
circuit, including within the injection unit 104 and including
within the shooting pot 124 can be the predetermined location in
the molding system 100 at which the property of the resin is
measured.
[0061] Measuring a property of the resin can includes sensing a
pressure of the resin at the predetermined location in the molding
system 100. In such a case, the "property of the resin" is the
pressure acting on the resin. A pressure sensor can be disposed at
or proximate the predetermined location in the molding system 100
in order to sense the pressure of the resin. For example, a sensor
150 can be disposed within the refill melt passage 198 connecting
the injection unit 104 to the shooting pot 124 in order to sense
the pressure at that location of the refill melt passage 198. By
way of further example, a sensor 150 can be disposed within the
barrel of the injection unit 104 in order to sense or measure the
pressure of the resin within the barrel of the injection unit 104.
By way of further example, a sensor 150 can be disposed within a
shooting pot cavity 130 in order to measure the pressure of the
resin within the shooting pot cavity 130.
[0062] In some embodiments, injecting the resin (i.e. melted resin)
from the injection unit 104 occurs while the pressure of the resin
is being sensed. For example, the pressure of the resin at the
predetermined location in the molding system 100, such as in a
refill melt passage 198, injection melt passage 199, shooting pot
cavity 130 or injection unit 104, can be measured or sensed at the
same time that the injection unit 104 is injecting resin into the
melt passage 126 or towards the one or more shooting pot cavity
130. The sensed pressure can be the pressure sensed from or acting
on the resin as it flows past the pressure sensor which can be
disposed at a predetermined location in the molding system 100.
[0063] In some embodiments, there are multiple sensors 150 in
multiple respective predetermined locations of the molding system
100. Each of the multiple sensors 150 can be measuring the same
property at the respective predetermined locations or one or more
sensors 150 can be measuring different properties at the respective
predetermined locations.
[0064] The predetermined location or multiple predetermined
locations can be set by the manufacturer, such as by disposing each
sensor 150 proximate the respective predetermined location of the
molding system 100. Alternatively, the one or more predetermined
location can be set by a user of the molding system 100, again by
disposing each sensor 150 proximate the respective predetermined
location of the molding system 100. Similarly, each predetermined
location can be adjusted or changed, for example by moving the
respective sensor 150.
[0065] In some embodiments, measuring a property of the resin
includes measuring the flashing on a molded part. In such
embodiments, the sensor 150 can be disposed proximate to the mold
cavity 140 and the sensor 150 can be a temperature sensor, pressure
sensor in the cavity or a vision system inspecting the parts after
takeoff.
[0066] In some embodiments, measuring the property of the resin
includes measuring a weight of a molded part. For example, after a
part is molded out of resin in the mold cavity, the part is
weighed. It is this weight that can be the measured property of the
resin. In such embodiments, the one or more sensor 150 can be a
scale or similar component for weighing the part. There can be a
sensor 150 proximate to each mold cavity 140 (in the end of arm
tool) in order to measure the weight of the molded part.
[0067] The sensor 150 can be configured or arranged to transmit
measurements of the property (or data representative of such
measurements) to one or more controller 152. This transmission can
occur over a wireless communication network or through a wired
connection. The controller 152 can be associated with or an
operational part of a user interface 156. The sensor 150 can be set
to automatically measure the property of the resin a specific time
intervals or at predetermined times during each injection cycle.
Such settings on the sensor 150 can be programmed through the user
interface 156 of the controller 152 or can be manually programmed
at the sensor 150.
[0068] At 406 it is determined that the measured property is
outside of a threshold range for the property, the threshold range
being associated with the predetermined location in the molding
system 100.
[0069] In some embodiments, the sensor 150 transmits the measured
property (or data representative of the measurement) to the
controller 152. The controller 152 compares the measured property
to a threshold range for the property. The controller 152 can
determine whether the measured property is outside of the threshold
range for the property based on this comparison. The threshold
range for the property can be stored in a database 154 associated
with the controller 152. The threshold range can be or can be
representative of a target measurement of the property at the
predetermined location in the molding system 100. By way of further
example, the threshold range can be a target measurement of the
property as a function of the time during an injection cycle. In
yet a further example, the threshold range can be the target value
for the property during an injection cycle, such a threshold range
may be called a reference cycle. The threshold range can be upper
and lower boundaries or limits around a target property value.
[0070] In some embodiments, determining that the measured property
is outside of a threshold range included determining that the
measured property is outside of the threshold range for a
predetermined length of time. The predetermined length of time can
be based on the time during a certain portion of an injection
cycle. Or the predetermined length of time can be set by the
controller 152, either automatically or by input through the user
interface 156.
[0071] The predetermined length of time can be dependent on the
rate of acquisition of data from measuring the property of the
resin. The sensor 150 can operate by sensing or measuring the
property of the resin at periodic instants in time. The rate of
acquisition of data from measuring the property of the resin is the
rate of these periodic measurements by the sensor 150.
[0072] Determining that the measured property is outside of the
threshold range can occur during a monitoring time period. The
monitoring time period can be a subset or window of time during an
injection cycle. Thus, the determination of whether the measured
property is outside of the threshold range can occur during a
specific window of time during an injection cycle. This window of
time or monitoring time period can be the same for multiple or each
subsequent injection cycle.
[0073] The time data used by the controller 152 when comparing the
measured property to the threshold range can be from the timer 158.
The time from the timer 158 can be the time elapsed from the
beginning of the injection cycle, for example.
[0074] FIG. 5A shows a graphical representation 500 of the measured
property and the threshold range. FIG. 5B shows a detailed view of
the graphical representation 500 of FIG. 5A. The graphical
representations shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B can be representations
that are displayed on the user interface 156 of the controller 152
during the operation of the molding system 100.
[0075] The y-axis of the graphical representation 500 is the value
of the measured property (such as pressure, temperature, etc.) or
the resin at the predetermined location of the molding system 100.
The x-axis of the graphical representation 500 is the time during
an injection cycle. The time can be in milliseconds, for example.
The origin is the start time of the injection cycle or the
injection trigger.
[0076] In other embodiments, the graphical representation 500 shows
data obtained from more than one sensor 150 at more than one
respective predetermined location in the molding system 100. For
example, the graphical representation 500 can show an average of
the measured property values received from multiple sensors 150 in
the molding system 500.
[0077] Different graphical representations 500 can be selected for
display on the user interface 156 of the controller 152. For
example, graphical representations 500 showing measured property
values for specific sensors 150 can be selected for display on the
user interface 156 or on another display associated with the
controller 152.
[0078] The data displayed on the graphical representation 500
includes the threshold data 504 and the measured property data 502.
In the embodiments, shown on a screen the threshold data 504 is a
target or reference value. In some embodiments, the threshold data
504 is a range of values.
[0079] The monitoring time period 508 is the time period or window
during which the controller compares the threshold data 504 to the
measured property data 502.
[0080] As is shown in detail in FIG. 5B, the measured property data
502 includes a plurality of measured data points 510A, 510B
measured throughout the injection cycle which are connected
together in a line graph. Similarly, the threshold data 504 in the
depicted embodiment shows threshold data points 512A, 512B. The
threshold data points 512A, 512B can be target or ideal data points
or can be reference data points measured on a previous injection
cycle.
[0081] A determination of whether the measured property is outside
of the threshold range can include determining whether one or more
measured property data points 510A, 510B are within an acceptable
range or whether they deviate an acceptable amount from the
corresponding threshold data points 512A, 512B. The control system
110 can be programmed to base this determination on a predetermined
number of measured property data points 510A, 510B within a
specific time period during the injection cycle, for example. The
acceptable range or the acceptable amount of deviation can be
predetermined or programmed into the control system 110.
[0082] By way of example, a time tolerance 514 can be the length of
time within which a measured property data point would have to be
within the acceptable amount from the threshold data point in order
to determine that the measured property is not outside of the
threshold range. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5B, the time
tolerance accounts for two preceding and one following data point.
By way of further example, a measured value threshold 516 can be
the acceptable amount of difference that the measured property
value can be from the threshold data point. For example, the
measure value threshold 516 can represent the threshold range for a
given measured property data point 510A, 510B.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 4, optionally at 414 the threshold
range is based on one or more of a user selected threshold range or
a theoretical process calculation. For example, the user selected
threshold range can be a reference injection cycle that includes
reference or target values for the measured property of the resin.
The reference injection cycle can be predetermined, can be selected
based on the measured properties of the resin in one or more
previous injection cycles. The theoretical process calculation can
include a calculation from a shooting pot calculator, for example.
The theoretical process calculation can be performed using
transient computational fluid dynamics (or CFD) for predicting the
pressure over time of a shooting pot refill pressure. In another
example, the theoretical process calculation can include
mold-filling analysis of the cavity filling.
[0084] The threshold range data, which is data representative of
the threshold range and can be the threshold data 502 shown in
FIGS. 5A and 5B, can be stored in a memory (e.g. the database 154)
associated with the controller 152.
[0085] Establishing the threshold range 414 can be performed prior
to injecting resin 402 from the injection unit 104. For example,
establishing the threshold range 414 can be performed off-line such
as when the molding system 100 is not operating.
[0086] An example of establishing the threshold range based on a
user selection can include a user selecting a previous injection
cycle to use as the threshold range for a future injection cycle.
The acceptable deviations from the selected injection cycle can be
predetermined or selected by user input, for example. The threshold
range can be adjusted based on a design on engineering on the
processing parameters where the response includes the part quality
attributes such as the part dimensions. The range of processing
parameters that produce good parts can then be used to specify the
threshold range.
[0087] The threshold range can also be adjusted based on the type
of resin injected by the injection unit 104. In some embodiments,
the type of resin is input into the controller 152, such as through
the user interface 156, and the controller 152 automatically
adjusts the threshold range or threshold data 502 based on the type
of resin.
[0088] The terms "threshold range" and "threshold data" 502 may be
used interchangeably at certain sections of this document.
[0089] At 408 an operational parameter to adjust is selected. The
operational parameter is associated with the measured property and
the predetermined location in the molding system 100.
[0090] The selection 408 of the operational parameter to adjust can
be made before the resin is injected 402 from the injection unit
104. Alternatively, the selection 408 of the operational parameter
to adjust can occur after the resin is injected 402 from the
injection unit 104, such as after it is determined 406 that the
measured property is outside of the threshold range.
[0091] The database 154 can store a list of operational parameters
for selection. The list stored in the database 154 can be an
ordered list, ordered based on the priority. For example, the list
can be ordered in the order of selection for the operational
parameters. The operational parameters can be stored in association
with specific times or ranges of times, such times or ranges of
times during the injection cycle. The operational parameters can
also be stored in association with specific predetermined locations
in the molding system 100. These associations can be used to select
the operational parameter based on the measured property.
[0092] In some embodiments, an operational parameter can be a rate
of filling the shooting pot cavity 130. The rate of filling the
shooting pot cavity 130 can be adjusted by adjusting the speed
profile of the injection unit 104 (e.g. the speed at which the
resin is ejected from the machine nozzle 122).
[0093] In some embodiments, an operational parameter can be a
temperature of the resin in the injection unit 104. The operational
parameter could also be the temperature of the resin in another
location in the molding system 100. The controller 152 can be in
communication with one or more heaters (not shown in the figures)
in order to control the heat output of the heaters to adjust the
temperature of the resin in respective locations in the molding
system 100 (such as in the injection unit 104).
[0094] In some embodiments, an operational parameter can be a
density of the resin in the molding system 100. The density of the
resin in the molding system 100 can be adjusted by adjusting the
shooting pot plunger 132, for example. The controller 152 can be in
communication with the shooting pot plunger actuator in order to
adjust the shooting pot plunger 132.
[0095] The operational parameters can be associated with or linked
to measured properties of the resin in one or more locations of the
molding system 100.
[0096] Optionally, at 410 the selected operational parameter is
adjusted to change the measured property of the resin at the
predetermined location in the molding system 100. For example, the
controller 152 can automatically select 408 the operational
parameter, such as from an ordered list in the database 154, and
can then automatically adjust the operational parameter. The
operational parameter can be adjusted while the resin is injected
from the injection unit 104, depending on what the operational
parameter is. Similarly, the operational parameter can be adjusted
after the end of the injection cycle or before the beginning of the
next injection cycle.
[0097] In an example implementation, the measured property is the
pressure in the shooting pot cavity 130 during a specific time
range in the injection cycle. The controller 152 selects the rate
of filling the shooting pot cavity 130 as the operational parameter
to adjust. The controller 152 then slows down the rate of filling
the shooting pot cavity 130 during the same injection cycle.
Alternatively (or additionally), the controller 152 automatically
adjusts the rate of filling of the shooting pot cavity 130 for the
next (and subsequent) injection cycles. This rate of filling of the
shooting pot cavity 130 can be adjusted by adjusting the operation
of the injection unit 104, for example.
[0098] In some embodiments, the operational parameter is a volume
of resin in a filled shooting pot cavity 130. Such an operational
parameter can be associated with the pressure of the resin in one
or more locations in the molding system 100. Adjusting the volume
of resin in the shooting pot cavity 130 to increase the volume can
be performed by retracting the shooting pot plunger 132 a
relatively greater amount or injecting more resin through the
machine nozzle 122, for example. Adjusting the volume of resin in
the shooting pot cavity 130 to decrease the volume of resin in the
shooting pot cavity 130 can be performed by blocking the shooting
pot inlet 206 of the shooting pot cavity 130 after a predetermined
volume of resin has entered the shooting pot cavity 130. A valve
(or the shooting pot plunger 132 itself) can be used to block or
unblock the shooting pot inlet 206.
[0099] After an adjustment to the operational parameter is made, or
after the controller 152 determines that an adjustment to the
operational parameter is to be made the adjustment determination
can be stored for use in subsequent injection cycles, or the
adjustment can be maintained or automatically performed in
subsequent injection cycles.
[0100] The quantity of the adjustment of the operational parameter
can be predetermined (e.g. by manual input) prior to the injection
cycle or prior to the operation of the molding system 100 or
calculated automatically based on the difference of the sensed
parameter and the threshold.
[0101] In some embodiments, the selected operational parameter is
the volume of resin in a filled shooting pot cavity 130. Adjusting
the volume of resin includes blocking a shooting pot inlet 206 of
the shooting pot cavity 130 after a predetermined volume of resin
has entered the shooting pot cavity 130. In such embodiments, the
measured property can be the pressure sensed in the shooting pot
cavity 130. For example, the controller 152 may have determined
that the sensed pressure is outside of the threshold range due to
the sensed pressure being too high. The controller 152 then can
adjust the volume of melt that enters the shooting pot cavity 130
(e.g. in the next injection cycle).
[0102] Optionally, at 412, and indicator can be output indicating
that the measured property is outside of the threshold range. The
indicator can be output after the operational parameter is selected
for adjustment 408, or the indicator can be output after it is
determined that the measured property is outside of the threshold
range. The indicator can be output after the completion of the
injection cycle or during the injection cycle, for example.
[0103] In some embodiments, outputting 412 an indicator includes
outputting information associated with the operational parameter on
a display. The display can be on the controller 152 or can be
remote from the controller 152. The information that is output can
include data showing the measured property or the threshold range
or both. For example, the information that is output can be the
graphical representation 500 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The
information that is output can include a recommended adjustment,
such as an operational parameter that is recommended for adjustment
on a future injection cycle.
[0104] In some embodiments, outputting 412 an indicator includes
outputting an audible alarm. For example, the audible alarm can be
a bell. In some embodiments, outputting 412 an indicator includes
outputting a visual alarm. For example, the visual alarm can be a
light or colored light. The alarm can be output in response to
determining that the measured property is outside of a threshold
range.
[0105] In some embodiments, the injection cycle can be stopped when
the measured property is outside of the threshold range. For
example, there may be faulty parts that can be removed while the
injection cycle is stopped.
[0106] FIG. 6 shows method 600 of automatically adjusting an
operational parameter during the refill of a shooting pot 124 in a
molding system 100.
[0107] At 602 a property of resin at a predetermined location in
the molding system 100 is measured. Measuring 602 the property of
the resin at a predetermined location can occur while the resin is
injected from the injection unit 104.
[0108] The property that is measured is measured by the sensor 150
or other measurement device at the predetermined location in the
molding system 100.
[0109] At 604 it is determined that the measured property is
outside of a threshold range. The threshold range can be associated
with the predetermined location in the molding system 100.
[0110] At 606 an identification of an operational parameter is
retrieved from a database. The operational parameter can be
associated with the measured property. For example, the operational
parameter can be retrieved from the database 154 associated with
the controller 152 or from another memory associated with the
controller 152. The operational parameter can be associated with
the measured property or threshold range, for example.
[0111] At 608 the operational parameter is automatically adjusted
to adjust the property at the predetermined location in the molding
system 100. Adjusting the operational parameter can occur during an
injection cycle or can be programmed to occur during a subsequent
injection cycle, for example. For example, adjusting the
operational parameter can occur during the same injection cycle in
which the property of the resin is measured.
[0112] Optionally, the following steps (610, 612, 618, 614, 616)
can be performed during a second injection cycle. The second
injection cycle occurs subsequent to the injection cycle in which
steps 602, 604, 606 and 608 occurred.
[0113] At 610, the property of the resin is measured at the
predetermined location in the molding system 100. The property of
the resin that is measured can be the same property that was
measured at 602 in the previous injection cycle. Similarly, the
predetermined location in the molding system 100 in which the
property of the resin is measured can be the same predetermined
location in the molding system 100 in which the property of the
resin was measured at 602 in the previous injection cycle.
[0114] For example, measuring 610 the property of the resin
includes sensing a pressure of the resin at the predetermined
location in the molding system 100.
[0115] The predetermined location in the molding system 10 can be
in the melt passage 126 fluidly connecting the injection unit 104
with the shooting pot cavity 130. For example, the predetermined
location can be a specific portion of the melt passage 126.
[0116] The predetermined location in the molding system 10 can be
in the shooting pot cavity 130. For example a sensor 150, such as a
pressure sensor, can be disposed within the shooting pot cavity 130
in order to measure the pressure of the resin.
[0117] The predetermined location in the molding system 10 can be a
nozzle proximate to a mold gate. For example, the predetermined
location can be within the nozzle assembly 128.
[0118] At 612, it is determined that the measured property is
outside of the threshold range. This determination can be performed
by the controller 152. The threshold range can be stored in a
memory (e.g. the database 154) associated with the controller 152.
The threshold range can be retrieved by the controller 152 and
compared to the measured property. The threshold range can be
stored in the memory in association with the predetermined
location, time during the injection cycle, or the measured
property, for example.
[0119] In some embodiments, determining that the measured property
is outside of the threshold range includes determining that the
measured property is outside of the threshold range for a
predetermined length of time. The predetermined length of time can
be dependent on the rate of acquisition of data from measuring the
property of the resin. The rate of acquisition of data from
measuring the property of the resin can be the rate at which the
sensor 150 obtains measured property data from the resin.
[0120] In some embodiments, determining that the measured property
is outside of a threshold range occurs during a monitoring time
period 508. The monitoring time period 508 can be a specific
segment or specific segments of time during the injection
cycle.
[0121] Measuring a property of the resin can include measuring the
flashing on a molded part.
[0122] At 614, the identification of a second operational parameter
is retrieved from the database 154. The second operational
parameter is associated with the measured property. The second
operational parameter can be the same as or different from the
operational parameter retrieved 606 in the previous injection
cycle.
[0123] In some embodiments, optionally, at 618 the second
operational parameter is selected based on a predefined list of
ordered operational parameters. The predefined list of ordered
operational parameters can be stored in the database 154 in
association with the measured property. The list can be ordered
based on priority or on probability of adjusting the measured
property back to within the threshold range, for example.
[0124] The second operational parameter can be a rate of filing the
shooting pot cavity 130, a temperature of the resin in the
injection unit 104, a hold pressure in the injection unit, or a
density of the resin, for example.
[0125] The second operational parameter can be associated with a
time during the injection cycle. For example, the second
operational parameter can be a temperature of the resin in the
injection unit 104 over the first 3 milliseconds of the injection
cycle.
[0126] The second operational parameter can be a volume of resin in
a filled shooting pot cavity 130. In such embodiments, adjusting
the volume of resin includes blocking a shooting pot inlet 206 of
the shooting pot cavity 130 after a predetermined volume of resin
has entered the shooting pot cavity 130.
[0127] At 616, the second operational parameter is automatically
adjusted to adjust the property of the resin at the predetermined
location in the molding system 100.
[0128] In situations in which the operational parameter is the same
as the second operational parameter, the adjustment 608 of the
operational parameter may be an adjustment by a predetermined
incremental amount and the adjustment 616 of the second operational
parameter may be a further adjustment by the predetermined
incremental amount.
[0129] The method 400 of refilling a shooting pot 124 in a molding
system 100 and the method 600 of automatically adjusting an
operational parameter during the refill of a shooting pot 124 in a
molding system 100 can also include establishing the threshold
range based on a user selected threshold range or a theoretical
process calculation.
[0130] The threshold range can also be established based on a
geographic location of the molding system 100.
[0131] The threshold range can also be established based on a type
of resin injected by the injection unit.
[0132] The threshold range can also be established based on
environmental conditions within which the molding system 100
operates.
[0133] The threshold data 502 (representing the threshold range)
can be stored in the database 154.
[0134] The methods 400, 600 described above can be implemented in
molding systems 100 that include more than one shooting pots 124.
The methods 400, 600 a can be performed independently on the
different shooting pots 124 in the molding system 100 so that
different shooting pots 124 in the molding system 100 can be
refilled to different conditions.
[0135] Other non-limiting embodiments, modifications and
equivalents will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art in
view of the present disclosure.
[0136] This disclosure has presented one or more non-limiting
exemplary embodiments. It will be clear to those skilled in the art
that modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed
non-limiting embodiments without departing from the intended scope
of this disclosure. The described non-limiting embodiments ought to
be considered to be merely illustrative of some of the features or
elements of this disclosure as a whole. Other beneficial results
can be realized by applying the non-limiting embodiments in a
different manner or modifying them in ways known to those familiar
with the art. Certain features or sub-features of one embodiment
may be combined with certain features or sub-features of another
embodiment to arrive at a combination of features not specifically
described above but still within the intended scope of the
disclosure. Any such suitable and workable combination of features
would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art after
reviewing the present disclosure.
* * * * *